NEWS

Former Iowa felon says she believed she could vote

KEOKUK, Iowa (AP) — A former Iowa felon on trial for illegally voting says she believed her voting rights had been restored when she cast a ballot last November.

Kelli Jo Griffin testified Wednesday that her lawyer advised her when she was convicted of a drug charge in 2008, that she would regain her rights to vote and hold public office when she left probation.

Griffin says she was unaware that Gov. Terry Branstad changed that policy in 2011 so that former offenders have to apply to him to get their voting rights back.

The trial highlights Iowa's position as one of four states which has such a policy.

Griffin says she voted in the municipal election in Montrose to set an example for her children, who had come with her.